Arlene Appelrouth's 2021 Rosh Hashanah Message

Approaching Rosh Hashanah

I’m grateful the new year offers the possibility for growth and change. Last year, 5781, was riddled with conflict and fear. I wanted life to go back to how it was before the pandemic, for people to work and socialize, for children to return to school, for in-person meetings and classes, for cultural and sports events to take place in a variety of venues, not just virtually on Zoom.

Rosh Hashanah invites introspection and provides an opportunity to accept life as it is and to change our attitudes and behaviors that make it difficult to enjoy and appreciate how miraculous life is.

The isolation and loneliness created by the pandemic affected me. Instead of discovering things that were meaningful to me and made a difference to others, I wasted time. I was unhappy about all the things I couldn’t do. I spent too much time obsessed with the bad news I was powerless to change. The world seemed shut down and spiraling out of control and so did I.

I believe today provides an opportunity for growth and change. In 5782 I intend to stop complaining, to focus on what’s positive and to stop comparing life today to how it used to be. I plan to live with gratitude and appreciation for what’s good in my life, and in the world. I pray the new year will bring peace, healing and the inspiration to be grateful for what is.

Arlene Appelrouth is a contributor to the AJT.